Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) in partnership with Dawn of Life Foundation (DOLF), Centre for Creative Development Strategies (CCDS), Vee Cares, Acomin and Huggies Diapers organized a Menstrual Health and Mother-child Welfare Support program for pregnant women, nursing mothers and patients. The program took place at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt on the 1st day of June, 2023. The sensitization program which is also in line with CHHELD’s goal of Improving the health conditions of the poor, women, girls and vulnerable groups, which can be achieved through conduction of awareness campaign programs on the reduction of maternal mortality to the barest minimum level, and creating a sustainable advocacy to reducing to the barest minimum the incidence of early girls’ child marriages and motherhood.
The Menstrual Health and Mother-child Welfare Support program which had in attendance over 70 participants was aimed at educating pregnant women, nursing mothers and patients on menstrual education, painful period and when to see the doctor, post partum care and donation of eco-friendly sanitary pads and diapers.

Mrs. Nancy Iheduru, the Executive Director of CCDS spoke on menstrual education. She sensitized the women on the need to educate their children, both male and female about menstruation, as menstruation is not a taboo or illness. Mrs. Nancy Iheduru debunked myths and misconceptions about menstruation, educated attendees on hygienic ways to use and dispose sanitary wears, she also encouraged attendees to use eco-friendly sanitary wears that reduce the period poverty, victimization of females, and does not contribute to climate change. Mrs. Nancy Iheduru also spoke on gender-based violence, she encouraged men and women to speak up against all forms of gender-based violence and to take steps to reduce and report perpetrators of gender-based violence, and give victims the much needed physical, psychological and social support.

Nurse Favour Abundance educated the women on post partum care. She encouraged pregnant and nursing mothers on the importance to take proper care of themselves after delivery, as some mothers fail to adhere to doctors advice after delivery. Post partum care is referred to as the first six weeks after childbirth, it is a period whereby mothers can heal and adjust after the delivery of a child. The postpartum period is also important for bonding between the mother and child. She advised mothers to go for immunization during this period and for regular checkup and examine themselves at a hospital or healthcare centres with qualified doctors, have healthy diets, exercise and get plenty of rest in order to recuperate, both physically and mentally.

Mrs. Vera Anthony, a staff of Huggies Diapers spoke to pregnant women and nursing mothers on the need to do family planning which help prevent maternal and child mortality. She encouraged nursing mothers to have balanced diet which will also contribute to the growth and development of their child. She also spoke on the importance of using good diapers for their children in order to avoid diseases, illness and skin reactions.
Mrs. Uloma Akoma, Executive Director of Dawn of Life Foundation (DOLF) appreciated all attendees and partnering organization for making the event a success. The program ended with donation of eco-friendly sanitary pads to some mothers and Huggies diapers to all attendees, staff and patients in the health centre.
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